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A GENERAL PROTOCOL
Last Updated: 08/04/2020
The Breather is an Inspiratory and Expiratory Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) device. It provides a
means to complete resistance strengthening for the muscles of respiration. Similar to the way lifting
weights provides resistance strengthening for the muscles of your arms and legs. Breathing against
resistance during RMT activates and strengthens muscles for breathing, speech, swallowing and posture.
This will decrease breathlessness and promote the ability to move more freely, return to the activities you
care about, improve swallow safety, speech volume and ability to clear mucus from your airway.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read the instructions found in the manufacturer’s package insert.
If access to the internet is available, it’s recommended you watch the free training videos found at
PNMedical.com/Start including:
How to Use The Breather
Diaphragmatic Breathing
How to Clean The Breather
If you use oxygen, just keep it on during RMT. If your doctor has ordered you use oxygen as needed,
have oxygen available to use if your oxygen level falls below the level your doctor prescribed.
Begin with the easiest settings by rotating both inhale and exhale dials so the #1 is aligned with the
arrow at the top of The Breather. Note inhale and exhale dials can be changed independently.
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HOW TO USE THE BREATHER
Sit upright and hold the mouthpiece between your lips,
don’t clench it with your teeth.
Breath in and out through the mouthpiece (not the
nose) using diaphragmatic breathing.
Aim to complete RMT with effort in the zone (orange
section of #5-7).
Listen for a strong ‘wind’ sound for inhale and exhale to indicate you are doing RMT with effort
in the zone.
Listen to your body. Ask yourself:
Am I feeling out of breath or lightheaded?
Take breaks as you need them.
NOTE: Lightheadedness that quickly goes away may occur when you first begin training. This is
a normal response to the forced inhale/exhale maneuver. Take a short break as this should
resolve quickly an you can get back to complete your RMT set.
Please use The Breather to complete RMT 6 days per week, twice a day. One session any time in
the AM hours and one session anytime in the PM hours. Aim for 2 sets of 10 full breaths at each
session. Leave a good 2 minute or more break in between sets.
Once 10 breaths per set becomes easy, try increasing the resistance by increasing either/both inhale
and exhale dials. If you stop using your Breather for a period, you may find the need to reduce the
resistances to get back to RMT.
You should start noticing positive benefits after a week or so of use. We recommend you continue
RMT for the rest of your life.
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CLEANING THE BREATHER
Up to once daily
1. Separate the blue mouthpiece
from the white portion of The
Breather
1. Wash in warm water with mild
dish-washing soap
2. Rinse both pieces well
3. Shake out the excess water & use
a clean towel to dry surfaces
5. Air dry thoroughly (overnight is a great time)
6. Before putting the mouthpiece on, sharply inhale & exhale through the body to release any possible seals
7. Store in a clean, dry place that can ventilate
Do NOT put The Breather in the dishwasher. The high heat may affect the way it works or ruin it
completely.
DISINFECTING THE BREATHER
Up to once weekly
1. Clean The Breather as outlined
above in steps 1-3
2. Soak in either 70% alcohol OR
hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes
3. Rinse with sterile or distilled
water
4. Shake out excess water & allow
to dry thoroughly
5. Store in a clean, dry place that
can ventilate
*NOTE: The Breather is a device to be used by one person. It should not be shared with others.
All cleaning recommendations assume The Breather is being used by a single individual.
See Cleaning Video at PNMedical.com/Start
FOR FURTHER SUPPORT
Visit: www.pnmedical.com/faq/
Contact us by phone or email: 877-414-4449 or [email protected]
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